The National Rural Development Day was observed in the country for the first time on Monday with the aim of recognising the contribution of rural economy and rural development to the country and with emphasis on strengthening rural economy through integrated initiatives.
The theme of day is “Developed Villages, Prosperous Nation; Bangladesh First.”
BARISHAL: On the occasion, Bangladesh Rural Development Board (BRDB), Barishal Division, organised a discussion at the TTC auditorium in the city as part of the observance.
Speaking as the chief guest, Barishal Sadar lawmaker Md Mujibur Rahman Sarwar said villages remain the foundation of Bangladesh’s development. Instead of seeking low-paying jobs in cities, people should make productive use of their land and local resources to increase agricultural output and contribute to the national economy, he said.
He also stressed the need to strengthen the rural economy through agriculture, small enterprises and self-employment, urging collective efforts to create sustainable livelihoods in rural areas.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Barishal Range Md Mostafizur Rahman attended the programme as special guest, while Barishal Divisional Commissioner Khalil Ahmed chaired the event.
Speakers at the discussion said the BRDB has been playing a significant role in improving rural livelihoods, creating employment opportunities, reducing poverty and promoting sustainable rural development. They also emphasised the need to further strengthen rural development programmes to support the government’s broader development agenda.
NARAYANGANJ: On the occasion, a procession started from the office of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Narayanganj on Monday morning and circled various roads before ending on the DC office premises. Later, tree saplings were distributed among the beneficiaries of BRDB. During this time, loans of some entrepreneurs and freedom fighters were distributed. Then, a discussion meeting was held in the conference room of the DC office.
DC Md Raihan Kabir, Zilla Parishad Administrator Md Mamun Mahmud, Additional DC (Education and ICT) Alinur Khan, Additional Superintendent of Police Shamim Hossain, Deputy Director of BRDB Narayanganj Ferdousur Rahman, Abul Kalam Azad, Nurunnahar, Rahima Sharif Maya were present.
At the meeting, DC Md Raihan Kabir said that the overall development of a country is never possible without excluding rural areas. The history of the cooperative movement in this country was developed with this philosophy in mind. A 2010 study by the Bangladesh Institute for Development Studies (BIDS) mentioned that BRDB's contribution to GDP was 1.93%. The cooperatives under BRDB are holding shares in agricultural products, fish, and livestock.
PABNA: On the occasion, a rally started from the DC office that marched through different roads of the town before returning to the DC office premises. Later, a discussion meeting was held in the DC office conference room, where the DC Amnul Islam attended as the chief guest, and SP Md Sufiulla spoke as the special guest and AKM Zakirul Islam moderated the event.
After the discussion meeting, saplings were distributed among the beneficiaries of the BRDB, Pabna, while loans were disbursed to several entrepreneurs.
RAJBARI: On the occasion, the district administration and the Rajbari BRDB organised a colourful rally, discussion meeting, prize distribution, and loan cheque and tree sapling distribution program.
DC Afroza Parveen led the rally from the DC office premises that went around the main roads of the town and ended at the same venue.
After the rally, a discussion meeting was held in the DC office conference room where DC Afroza Parveen spoke as the chief guest while Additional DC Tarif ul Hasan was in the chair.
SP Mohammad Manjur Morshed and Civil Surgeon Dr S M Masud were present as special guests. BNP Convener Advocate Liaquat Ali Babu, Red Crescent Vice-President Professor Manjurul Alam Dulal and Joint Convener Gazi Ahsan Habib also spoke while Rajbari BRDB Deputy Director Lutfun Nahar delivered the welcome speech. Assistant Commissioner Raihanul Islam moderated the event.
In his speech, the chief guest highlighted the importance of rural development activities in the country's sustainable development, employment generation, poverty alleviation and improvement of the living standards of the rural people.
At the end of the event, prizes were distributed among the winners of the painting competition. In addition, loan cheques and saplings of various species of trees were distributed among small entrepreneurs.
According to BRDB office sources, this organisation has more than 45,000 members in Rajbari District, and this year it has distributed loans of about Tk 1,03,29,000.
